‘Britain’s oldest pub’ falls into administration but expected to reopen

A pub once titled Britain’s oldest has fallen into administration after the impact of the pandemic left it unable to meet its financial obligations, but is expected to reopen under new management.

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St Albans, Hertfordshire, was once recognised as Britain’s oldest by Guinness World Records, although the title is now inactive.

Christo Tofalli, who has run the pub for the last 10 years, posted on Facebook: “It is with great sadness that I have to announce that today, after a sustained period of extremely challenging trading conditions, YOFC Ltd has gone into administration.

“Along with my team, I have tried everything to keep the pub going. However, the past two years have been unprecedented for the hospitality industry, and have defeated all of us who have been trying our hardest to ensure this multi-award-winning pub could continue trading into the future.

“Before the pandemic hit, the escalating business rates and taxations we were managing meant trading conditions were extremely tough, but we were able to survive and were following an exciting five-year plan and were hopeful for the future.

“However the Covid-19 pandemic was devastating and our already tight profit margins gave us no safety net. This resulted in us being unable to meet our financial obligations as they were due, creating periods of great uncertainty and stress for all who worked for, and with, the pub.”

The octagonal half-timbered structure was once a medieval dovecote and the pub is believed to date to the 8th century, with the existing property built in the 11th century. It was originally located close to St Albans Cathedral when it was St Albans Abbey, and was moved to its current site after the dissolution of the Abbey in 1539.

The pub is believed to have got its name from the cock fighting that took place in the main bar until the sport was banned in 1849, when the name was changed to the Fisherman. It has been known as Ye Olde Fighting Cocks since 1872.

Tofalli said: “It goes without saying I am heartbroken: this pub has been so much more than just a business to me, and I feel honoured to have played even a small part in its history.

“I am even more heartbroken for my incredible team and the wider Fighting Cocks family.”

Tofalli said of landlord Mitchells & Butlers: “I would like to thank them for their help and support throughout this process; they have been amazing. Every time I had an idea they supported me. I know it may seem strange but I have zero complaints. I am sorry to let them down too.”

A spokesperson for Mitchells & Butlers said: “We can confirm that sadly our tenants at Ye Olde Fighting Cocks have appointed administrators but can reassure locals that this is far from the end for the pub.

“We are currently in discussions with the tenant’s administrators and expect the pub to reopen under new management as soon as possible."